Abstract

Schizophrenia is a complex disorder with positive, negative and cognitive deficits. Previously, great reduction in spine number has been reported in schizophrenia patients. Mutations in numerous genes that encode synaptic proteins are known as genetic risk factors. In addition, antipsychotic drugs change the number of spines, suggesting that disturbance in spine homeostasis is deeply involved in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. On the other hand, abnormal release of dopamine is also reported to play a role in the disease. However, the relationship between the spine homeostasis and the dopaminergic system is largely unknown. Here, we review the related articles that can give us useful insight about spine homeostasis in schizophrenia. We hypothesize that the treatment for spine homeostasis can be a novel therapeutic method for schizophrenia.